[87.1] Reunited with Goldilocks

"...Reika?"

My breath caught in my throat at the sound of my name. Still clutching the canvas, I slowly turned my head to face the owner of the voice.

He was like a burst of light illuminating the darkness of the room surrounding me.

My voice croaked, "Do you… Recognize me?"

He hesitantly took a step toward me but halted. In his clear opaque blue eyes, I could see the disbelief and shock. There was a burning hope, but an anxious fear that the image reflected in his eyes was all a mirage.

And as I stared back, I felt the same.

This…

If this isn't real….

If he doesn't recognize me…

My hand slowly raised towards him, trembling in desperation.

If this is a lie, then I can't keep going.

"Cyrus… Do you know who I am-"

He watched my trembling fingertips and slowly stepped over to me. A curse pulsed silently on his chest as if trying to force his heart to beat.

His fingertips gently grazed my own, sending electric shocks through both of our bodies.

Our fingers intertwined, and bewilderment passed over his face while he stared at our locked hands.

"Cyrus-" Tears spilled over due to the insecurity in my heart, "Please say something!"

My body was pulled forward and before any words were exchanged, I was buried deep into his embrace.

His soft voice touched my ear, "You are Reika."

I never thought hearing my name would sound so sweet.

The warmth of his breath turned my ears red. "...Are you real?"

"I'm… I'm real." I sucked in my sobs, "I'm back. It's not a dream anymore."

The arms wrapped around me as if afraid that I would disappear at any moment.

I no longer found being in a tight embrace suffocating. It was the first time I wanted to be hugged even tighter.

I never knew you could feel such relief in despair.

"Cyrus! I lost everyone! I lost Lovi, I lost Moni, I lost so many of our children! I couldn't do anything to protect them!"

My mouth began moving as I screamed out every aggrievement, every painful memory, that I endured all alone.

I explained everything.

From beginning to end.

It was only until my voice grew hoarse that I finally stopped screaming.

Cyrus listened to every word, his hands tightening around me to comfort me. I had no idea how much I had cried until I felt the damp cloth press against my face. Shyly, I pulled away a bit to look closer at that tear-stained shirt. Seeing that mark, I was reminded of where I was.

I took a deep breath and inhaled his scent. Colors danced around me, far more dazzling than a firework in the empty sky.

It's even better than I remember.

But how can Cyrus say my name?

How can he know who I am?

From my deep breaths, the red string appeared. That red string connected us, no longer separated by the divide of time.

Could he know it's me because of that?

After I quieted down and became more relaxed, I lifted my head to properly look at him. Although I was barely able to see through my swollen eyes. "Cyrus… Why are you here?"

"Vira just attacked and there's a lot of injuries and not enough healers. I came here because I was hoping to find medicine from Fel-" His lips pressed together as he refused to say that name, "Well, anyway… I heard someone crying and rushed inside… I never thought-"

Seeing his gaze, I mustered up a smile. 

He lowered his head and nuzzled me affectionately, "It feels so great to hold you again… I don't care if Vira comes back, the rest of the group can fend off the attacks for me."

My face twitched, "Wait. She's coming back for another battle right now!?"

"She might have already started. She's usually relentless in her attacks but hasn't returned in a few days. She is definitely planning something."

I quickly sat up, "T-Then you don't have time to comfort me! You have to go back-"

He pulled me back into his arms, "You're more important."

Seeing his stubborn gaze, I could only laugh. "Aren't you trying to be the King?"

"-Actually, I'm already King."

My face twitched, "Then you should be defending the Kingdom!!!"

He kissed the corner of my eyes, "The Kingdom comes second to my Queen."

I let out an exasperated laugh, "Cyrus…"

He let out a defeated sigh, "Fine."

As I prepared to get out of his arms, he pulled me back and stood up. I let out a squeal and clung to him, "Why are you carrying me!?"

He walked down the halls without expression, "I finally got you back, I'm never letting you go now."

"You have to put me down eventually!!!"

"No, I don't."

"What if I need to use the bathroom!?"

"Then I will accompany you to the bathroom."

My cheeks burned in embarrassment, "At least allow me to maintain some sense of mystery!!!"

He laughed, "Then let's compromise. I will allow you to use the bathroom alone, but I will share every bath with you."

My cheeks turned a darker crimson.

Hearing that I didn't respond, he looked down at me with a cheeky expression, "Since you didn't say anything, is that an agreement?"

Too embarrassed to say anything, I leaned my heated face against his chest to show my consent.

I felt him look around, "I wonder if this dilapidated place still has a working bath."

Unable to handle any more teasing, I cried out. "Cyrus!"

"Don't worry, I'm not being serious." He let out a soft laugh, "I know this is not the time. I'm just so happy to finally be able to hold you again… If this is a dream, I hope I never wake up."

Hearing this, I raised my head to properly look at his face. He still wore the same proud expression he had in the past, but now I could see bags under his eyes from several sleepless nights. I reached out and gently rubbed underneath his eyes. 

Surprised, he turned to look at me, "Reika?"

My hand didn't pull away, "You've worked hard."